A Case Study on the Phylogeny and Conservation of Saker Falcon

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

A Case Study on the Phylogeny and Conservation of Saker Falcon Ornis Hungarica 2014. 22(1): 1–14. DOI: 10.2478/orhu-2014-0007 A case study on the phylogeny and conservation of Saker Falcon KRISZTIÁN POMICHAL1*, BALÁZS VÁGI2 & Tibor Csörgő1 Krisztián Pomichal, Balázs Vági & Tibor Csörgő 2014. A case study on the phylogeny and conser- vation of Saker Falcon. – Ornis Hungarica 22(1): 1–14. Abstract The Saker Falcon is a falconid raptor species with Palearctic distribution. It has ne­ ver been a common bird in Hungary, now there are cc. 220–230 nesting pairs within the count­ ry borders. Currently total world population is cc. 19 000–34 000 individuals. Its taxonomic status is complica­ ted. Two subspecies are distinguished (Falco c. cherrug and Falco c. milvipes); however, molecular data does not support this split. Phylogeny of the species is also not clarified, similarly to closely related raptors. There are ma- ny factors threatening the population of the Saker. One of these factors is the occurrence of the hybrid falcons. By molecular investigations more data can be gained, that could be useful in practical conservation, too. Keywords: Falco cherrug, phylogenetics, taxonomy, hybridization, conservation Összefoglalás A kerecsensólyom a sólyomfélék családjába tartozó, palearktikus elterjedésű faj. Magyarországon sosem volt gyakori madár, jelenleg 220–230 pár fészkelhet az országban. A világállomány körülbelül 19 000– 34 000 párt tesz ki. A faj taxonómiája nagyon összetett. Jelenleg két alfaját különböztetik meg, molekuláris bizo- nyítékok azonban nem támasztják alá ezt a felosztást. A faj leszármazási vonala szintén nem tisztázott, ugyanúgy, ahogy a legközelebbi rokon fajoké sem. Számos tényező veszélyezteti a faj állományait, ezek közül az egyik leg- fenyegetőbb a hibrid madarak problematikája. A molekuláris vizsgálatok segítségével olyan ismeretek szerezhe- tőek, melyek haszonnal alkalmazhatóak a gyakorlati természetvédelemben is. Kulcsszavak: Falco cherrug, filogenetika, taxonómia, hibridizáció, természetvédelem 1 Department of Anatomy, Cell- and Developmental Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/c, Hungary, e-mail: [email protected] 2 MTA-ATK-NÖVI Lendület Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, 1022 Budapest, Herman Ottó út 15., Hungary *corresponding author Molecular approaches have been gaining in- e.g. previously undivided world populations creasing importance in every field of biolo- could be split into two or more species. This gy in the last 60 years since the description could change conservation categories when of the molecular structure of the DNA. Inves- marginal or isolated subpopulations which tigations on nuclear and mitochondrial ge- comprise only a fraction of the world popu- nomes yielded significant knowledge in seve­ lation turn out to be separate species. ral streams of biology, which questioned the Certain species may have evolved by hyb­ re le vance of traditional taxonomic categories ridization and this could be important not and this way affected other research fields as only on a theoretical base but it could have well, e.g. practical nature conservation. practical implications as well. In practice of On one hand, clarifying taxonomic sta- the last decades new hybrids of greater size, tus and relations of recent species could be robustness and superior hunting skills have fascinating, on the other hand new results been created between falconid species. It may challenge widely accepted taxonomy, is dubious whether these hybrids escaping 2 ORNIS HUNGARICA 2014. 22(1) to the wild can reproduce with wild speci- of this was that time common nest looting mens; whether they are capable of creating which concerned mainly nests built on cliffs. viable offspring, and if so how they affect In several cases nesting failure was caused the gene pool of wild populations. by human disturbance, and in certain occa- It is also problematic that there is diffe­ sion illegal shooting also happened. The spe- rent legislation affecting trade in hybrids cies has been preserved due to enormous ef- originating from breeding stocks. This po­ forts of nature conservation experts. In 22 ses a threat that captured wild specimens years the population grew from 8 breeding can be traded as hybrids to thwart regula- pairs to 113–145 pairs (Bagyura et al. 2004). tions. Here, we present a case study of such According to latest reports the Hungarian problematic on the Saker Falcon. populations can be estimated 220–230 pairs (Bagyura et al. 2012). Distribution and population size Taxonomy of the Saker Falcon The Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug Gray, 1834) is a palearctic species belonging to The Saker Falcon was described by the Bri­ the falconid family (Falconidae). The wes­ tish zoologist John Edward Gray in Hard- tern border of its distribution area is in Cent­ wicke’s book Illustrations of Indian Zoo­ ral Europe, while its eastern border is near logy in 1834. The description was made on the Amur River (Ragyov et al. 2010). The a young raptor wintering in India. As resear­ total area of its nesting range and habitats is chers were not aware of its complete distri- cc. 10 300 square kilometres (BirdLife In- bution area, the Saker was described inde- ternational 2012). The world population of pendently by several taxonomists, thus, its the species is decreasing in its whole range, nomenclature has been confused (Ragyov et the loss was 32% according to 1991–2010 al. 2009). Previously, six subspecies of the estimation means (the exact value should questionable species were described as fol- be somewhere between 30 and 49 per- lows: F. c. cyanopus (distributed in Central cent). Currently total world population of Europe and along the Volga river), F. c. cher- the species is cc. 19 200–34 000 individu- rug (Russia), F. c. hendersoni (Pamir Moun- als (BirdLife International 2012), but there tains, Himalaya), F. c. altaicus (Altai­Sayan are also world population size estimates Region), F. c. milvipes (Kyrgyzstan and of 7200–8520 individuals from the year of Mongolia), F. c. coatsi (from Iran to Tian 2003 (Bagyura et al. 2007). Shan) (Nittinger et al. 2007). Some authors’ Saker Falcon has never been a common work (e.g. Pfeffer 2009) also mention the Si- bird in Hungary; but in the 1970s its po­ berian Saker (Falco c. saceroides) and the pulation reached a critical state. At the begin- Anatolian Saker (F. c. anatolicus). Falco ch. ning of the following decade only 8 breeding saceroides is known as hybrid between the attempts were recorded in the 13 known ter- Gyrfalcon and the Saker, while F. c. anatoli- ritories. Two of them were successful with cus is an other subspecies. 2­2 fledged juveniles. In 1980 the population Most debated is the population of Central on country level have not been more than 30 Asian mountains (Altai, Tian Shan) which is pairs (Bagyura et al. 2004). The main cause considered to be a separate species (the Al- K. Pomichal, B. Vági & T. Csörgő 3 tai Falcon – Falco altaicus) (Moseikin & El- Phylogenetics lis 2004). Others claim that the Altai Falcon is a persistent hybrid between the Gyrfalcon The first molecular investigations from the and the Saker Falcon. Based on genetic re- 1960s to the middle of the 1980s were based search the Altai Falcon cannot be separated on allozyme variance. Allozymes are dif- from the other two subspecies of the Saker ferent variants of enzymes which are co­ (Wink et al. 2004). ded at the same locus of the chromosomes. The Saker Falcon is a polytypic species While researchers managed to get informa- with two accepted subspecies: F. c. cherrug tion by direct inspection of the DNA this and F. c. milvipes (Clements et al. 2011). method lost its significance; it has been out- While F. c. cherrug is distributed in Europe competed by DNA sequencing with restric- as well as east from the Yenisei River and tion enzymes and later direct sequencing of the Altai Mountains to China, F. c. milvipes the DNA. Recently the whole genome of the is restricted to the northern and eastern parts Saker Falcon has been sequenced. of Central Asia and North­Eastern China Certain sources treat the Hierofalco group (Ferguson­Lees & Christie 2001). This se­ as a subgenus (Wink & Seibold 1996), paration is based on phenotypic traits solely. while others consider it only as collective Molecular investigations based on micro- terminus without any taxonomic relevance satellites and mitochondrial control regions (Nittinger et al. 2007). Recent species of of DNA samples extracted from skin and the Hierofalco group originate from Afri- plumage of museum specimens failed to de- ca and they spread out of that continent in tect any differences between ssp. cherrug several consecutive waves. This group con- and ssp. milvipes (Nittinger et al. 2007). sists of four species: the Saker Falcon, the Taxonomy of the species is still concer­ Gyrfalcon (F. rusticolus), the Laggar Fal- ning researchers. Some taxonomists claim con (F. jugger) and the Lanner Falcon (F. that division into two subspecies is over- biarmicus) (Nittinger et al. 2007). Based on simplified (Karyakin 2009, Pfander 2011). some research the Black Falcon (F. subni- Pfeffer (2009) propose a separation of fur- ger) from Australia is also belonging to this ther six subspecies, one of which (F. c. ana- group (Wink et al. 2004). tolicus) has been still undescribed. This The northern and southern populations concept is based on the species’ undoubted- had been separated from each other by the ly remarkable phenotypic variance, which formation and expansion of the Sahara De- is underpinned by the authors’ observa- sert. Northern populations begun to spread tions by traditional methods in nature and towards the Mediterranean area and colo- captivity; however, it contradicts current nized the whole Eurasian continent in three phylogene tic results (which are otherwise waves during the warmer periods of the cited in that paper). Pleistocene. The Laggar Falcon evolved Pfander (2011) suggests the introduction from population spreading towards India of a currently unused taxonomic concept, through the eastern part of the Mediterrane- the ‘semispecies’ to the taxonomy of the an Basin, while the Gyrfalcon evolved from Saker Falcon.
Recommended publications
  • Seacare Authority Exemption
    EXEMPTION 1—SCHEDULE 1 Official IMO Year of Ship Name Length Type Number Number Completion 1 GIANT LEAP 861091 13.30 2013 Yacht 1209 856291 35.11 1996 Barge 2 DREAM 860926 11.97 2007 Catamaran 2 ITCHY FEET 862427 12.58 2019 Catamaran 2 LITTLE MISSES 862893 11.55 2000 857725 30.75 1988 Passenger vessel 2001 852712 8702783 30.45 1986 Ferry 2ABREAST 859329 10.00 1990 Catamaran Pleasure Yacht 2GETHER II 859399 13.10 2008 Catamaran Pleasure Yacht 2-KAN 853537 16.10 1989 Launch 2ND HOME 856480 10.90 1996 Launch 2XS 859949 14.25 2002 Catamaran 34 SOUTH 857212 24.33 2002 Fishing 35 TONNER 861075 9714135 32.50 2014 Barge 38 SOUTH 861432 11.55 1999 Catamaran 55 NORD 860974 14.24 1990 Pleasure craft 79 199188 9.54 1935 Yacht 82 YACHT 860131 26.00 2004 Motor Yacht 83 862656 52.50 1999 Work Boat 84 862655 52.50 2000 Work Boat A BIT OF ATTITUDE 859982 16.20 2010 Yacht A COCONUT 862582 13.10 1988 Yacht A L ROBB 859526 23.95 2010 Ferry A MORNING SONG 862292 13.09 2003 Pleasure craft A P RECOVERY 857439 51.50 1977 Crane/derrick barge A QUOLL 856542 11.00 1998 Yacht A ROOM WITH A VIEW 855032 16.02 1994 Pleasure A SOJOURN 861968 15.32 2008 Pleasure craft A VOS SANTE 858856 13.00 2003 Catamaran Pleasure Yacht A Y BALAMARA 343939 9.91 1969 Yacht A.L.S.T. JAMAEKA PEARL 854831 15.24 1972 Yacht A.M.S. 1808 862294 54.86 2018 Barge A.M.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Falconry Threatens Barbary Falcons in The
    Falconry Threatens Barbary Falcons in the Canary Islands Through Genetic Admixture and Illegal Harvest of Nestlings Authors: Beneharo Rodríguez, Felipe Siverio, Manuel Siverio, and Airam Rodríguez Source: Journal of Raptor Research, 53(2) : 189-197 Published By: Raptor Research Foundation URL: https://doi.org/10.3356/JRR-17-96 BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses. Your use of this PDF, the BioOne Complete website, and all posted and associated content indicates your acceptance of BioOne’s Terms of Use, available at www.bioone.org/terms-of-use. Usage of BioOne Complete content is strictly limited to personal, educational, and non-commercial use. Commercial inquiries or rights and permissions requests should be directed to the individual publisher as copyright holder. BioOne sees sustainable scholarly publishing as an inherently collaborative enterprise connecting authors, nonprofit publishers, academic institutions, research libraries, and research funders in the common goal of maximizing access to critical research. Downloaded From: https://bioone.org/journals/Journal-of-Raptor-Research on 04 Sep 2019 Terms of Use: https://bioone.org/terms-of-use Access provided by CSIC SHORT COMMUNICATIONS J. Raptor Res. 53(2):189–197 Ó 2019 The Raptor Research Foundation, Inc. FALCONRY THREATENS BARBARY FALCONS IN THE CANARY ISLANDS THROUGH GENETIC ADMIXTURE AND ILLEGAL HARVEST OF NESTLINGS 1 BENEHARO RODRIGUEZ´ , FELIPE SIVERIO, AND MANUEL SIVERIO Canary Islands’ Ornithology and Natural History Group (GOHNIC), La Malecita s/n, 38480 Buenavista del Norte, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain AIRAM RODRIGUEZ´ Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Estacio´n Biolo´gica de Donana˜ (CSIC), Avda.
    [Show full text]
  • Scottish Birds
    SB 30(2) COV 27/5/10 10:55 Page 1 The pair of Ptarmigan were roosting either side of a PhotoSP T boulder, and observing them for a while, they didn’t Plate 155. On a wintery day© in March 2010 I drove move. I decided to move a little bit closer to try and to the Cairngorms to record any birds I might see. capture a picture and I did this every five minutes or SCOTTISH There was snow at 1000 feet, and the mountain I so until I got to a decent distance for the 400 mm decided to climb was not far from thousands of lens. The picture I believe gives a real feeling to the skiers. I encountered Red Grouse at 1500 feet and extreme habitat in which Ptarmigan exist. I backed just a little bit higher at c. 2000 feet I came across off and left them to roost in peace. my first Ptarmigan. There was also a pair slightly BIRDS higher at c. 2900 feet. For people who are interested in camera gear, I used a Canon 40D, 400 mm lens and a Bushawk On my climb I also found foot prints of Mountain shoulder mount. Volume 30 (2) 30 (2) Volume Hare and more grouse. I’m sure the Ptarmigan had been forced lower down the hill to feed, as there John Chapman was so much snow cover and on the tops it must (www.johnchapmanphotographer.co.uk) have been -15°C the night before. Scottish Birds June 2010 published by the SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB Featuring the best images posted on the SOC website each quarter, PhotoSpot will present stunning portraits as well as record shots of something unique, accompanied by the story behind the photograph and the equipment used.
    [Show full text]
  • Pallas's Cat Status Review & Conservation Strategy
    ISSN 1027-2992 I Special Issue I N° 13 | Spring 2019 Pallas'sCAT cat Status Reviewnews & Conservation Strategy 02 CATnews is the newsletter of the Cat Specialist Group, Editors: Christine & Urs Breitenmoser a component of the Species Survival Commission SSC of the Co-chairs IUCN/SSC International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is pub- Cat Specialist Group lished twice a year, and is available to members and the Friends of KORA, Thunstrasse 31, 3074 Muri, the Cat Group. Switzerland Tel ++41(31) 951 90 20 For joining the Friends of the Cat Group please contact Fax ++41(31) 951 90 40 Christine Breitenmoser at [email protected] <[email protected]> <[email protected]> Original contributions and short notes about wild cats are welcome Send contributions and observations to Associate Editors: Tabea Lanz [email protected]. Guidelines for authors are available at www.catsg.org/catnews This Special Issue of CATnews has been produced with Cover Photo: Camera trap picture of manul in the support from the Taiwan Council of Agriculture's Forestry Bureau, Kotbas Hills, Kazakhstan, 20. July 2016 Fondation Segré, AZA Felid TAG and Zoo Leipzig. (Photo A. Barashkova, I Smelansky, Sibecocenter) Design: barbara surber, werk’sdesign gmbh Layout: Tabea Lanz and Christine Breitenmoser Print: Stämpfli AG, Bern, Switzerland ISSN 1027-2992 © IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group The designation of the geographical entities in this publication, and the representation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the IUCN concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
    [Show full text]
  • All Counties National Emblem List
    All Counties National Emblem List Country Name Emblem Afghanistan Lion Albania Double headed eagle Algeria Star and crescent, fennec fox Angola Palanca Negra Gigante Anguilla Dolphin Argentina Sun of May (a sun with face symbol) Australia Kangaroo Austria Golden eagle Azerbaijan Flames of fire Bahamas The blue marlin; flamingo Bangladesh Water Lily Barbados Head of Trident Mounted knight known as Pahonia (the Belarus Chaser) Belgium Lion Benin Leopard ePaperPDF.com 1 Bermuda Red lion Bhutan Thunder dragon known as Druk Bolivia Llama, Andean condor Bosnia Golden lily Botswana Zebra Brazil Southern Cross constellation Bulgaria Lion Burkina Faso White stallion Burma Chinthe (mythical lion) Burundi Lion Cambodia Angkor Wat temple, kouprey (wild ox) Cameroon Lion Canada White Lily Canada White Lily, Maple Leaf Central African Elephant Republic Chad(North) Goat Chad (South) Lion ePaperPDF.com 2 Chile Candor and Huemul China Dragon Colombia Andean condor Comoros Four stars and crescent Democratic Republic Leopard of the Congo Republic of the Congo Lion ,elephant Costa Rica Clay colored robin known as Yiguirro Croatia Red white checkerboard Cypriot mouflon (wild sheep), white Cyprus dove Czech Republic Double tailed lion Denmark Beach Dominica Sisserou Parrot Dominican Republic Palmchat (bird) Ecuador Andean condor Egypt Golden eagle Equatorial Guinea Silk cotton tree Eritrea Camel ePaperPDF.com 3 Estonia Barn swallow, cornflower Ethiopia Abyssinian lion European Union A circle of 12 stars Finland Lion France Lily Gabon Black panther Gambia Lion
    [Show full text]
  • Reduction in the Electrocution of Birds on Power Lines Oleg Goroshko
    Reduction in the electrocution of birds on power lines Prepared by Oleg Goroshko Introduction to The electrocution of birds on 6-10 kV power lines (PLs) is a serious problem in the Daurian the Case Study steppe in Russia and in other regions of Russia, Mongolia and other countries. Birds are electrocuted mainly on 6-10 kV power lines with non-isolated wires and grounded concrete poles. This impacts many populations of raptors including many rare migratory species of falcons and eagles. Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve and neighboring Daurian steppe areas are important habitats for breeding and migratory Saker Falcon, Steppe Eagle, Golden Eagle and many other rare species of raptor. What was done The work was carried out from 2010-2018 in the Daurian steppe region in Transbaikalia, and when and South-East Siberia, Russia. where did you do • In 2010-2012, we inspected more than 200 km of PLs on areas neighboring the Daursky it? State Nature Biosphere Reserve. The average density of electrocuted birds was 0.14 dead birds per pillar and we determined that electrocution was the main cause of the serious population decline of globally threatened Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug). • We met with PL owners to discuss our analysis of the PL surveys on damaged birds and our recommendations to eliminate the problem. From 2012, the owners began installing bird protection devices (BPDs - plastic caps covering the isolator and part of the bare wire) on PLs according to our recommendations. • Since 2013, we have monitored the condition of the BPDs installed and identified shortcomings which the PL owners corrected.
    [Show full text]
  • New Insights Into the Phylogenetics and Population Structure of the Prairie Falcon (Falco Mexicanus) Jacqueline M
    Doyle et al. BMC Genomics (2018) 19:233 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-018-4615-z RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access New insights into the phylogenetics and population structure of the prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus) Jacqueline M. Doyle1,2*, Douglas A. Bell3,4, Peter H. Bloom5, Gavin Emmons6, Amy Fesnock7, Todd E. Katzner8, Larry LaPré9, Kolbe Leonard10, Phillip SanMiguel11, Rick Westerman11 and J. Andrew DeWoody2,12 Abstract Background: Management requires a robust understanding of between- and within-species genetic variability, however such data are still lacking in many species. For example, although multiple population genetics studies of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) have been conducted, no similar studies have been done of the closely- related prairie falcon (F. mexicanus) and it is unclear how much genetic variation and population structure exists across the species’ range. Furthermore, the phylogenetic relationship of F. mexicanus relative to other falcon species is contested. We utilized a genomics approach (i.e., genome sequencing and assembly followed by single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping) to rapidly address these gaps in knowledge. Results: We sequenced the genome of a single female prairie falcon and generated a 1.17 Gb (gigabases) draft genome assembly. We generated maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees using complete mitochondrial genomes as well as nuclear protein-coding genes. This process provided evidence that F. mexicanus is an outgroup to the clade that includes the peregrine falcon and members of the subgenus Hierofalco. We annotated > 16,000 genes and almost 600,000 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the nuclear genome, providing the raw material for a SNP assay design featuring > 140 gene-associated markers and a molecular-sexing marker.
    [Show full text]
  • Syringeal Morphology and the Phylogeny of the Falconidae’
    The Condor 96:127-140 Q The Cooper Ornithological Society 1994 SYRINGEAL MORPHOLOGY AND THE PHYLOGENY OF THE FALCONIDAE’ CAROLES.GRIFFITHS Departmentof Ornithology,American Museum of NaturalHistory and Departmentef Biology, City Collegeof City Universityof New York, Central Park West at 79th St., New York, NY 10024 Abstract. Variation in syringealmorphology was studied to resolve the relationshipsof representativesof all of the recognized genera of falcons, falconets, pygmy falcons, and caracarasin the family Falconidae. The phylogenyderived from thesedata establishesthree major cladeswithin the family: (1) the Polyborinae, containingDaptrius, Polyborus, Milvago and Phalcoboenus,the four genera of caracaras;(2) the Falconinae, consistingof the genus Falco, Polihierax (pygmy falcons),Spiziapteryx and Microhierax (falconets)and Herpetothe- res (Laughing Falcon); and (3) the genus Micrastur(forest falcons) comprising the third, basal clade. Two genera, Daptriusand Polihierax,are found to be polyphyletic. The phy- logeny inferred from these syringealdata do not support the current division of the family into two subfamilies. Key words: Falconidae;phylogeny; systematics; syrinx; falcons; caracaras. INTRODUCTION 1. The Polyborinae. This includes seven gen- Phylogenetic relationships form the basis for re- era: Daptrius, Milvago, Polyborus and Phalco- searchin comparative and evolutionary biology boenus(the caracaras),Micrastur (forest falcons), (Page1 and Harvey 1988, Gittleman and Luh Herpetotheres(Laughing Falcon) and Spiziapter- 1992). Patterns drawn from cladogramsprovide yx (Spot-winged Falconet). the blueprints for understanding biodiversity, 2. The Falconinae. This includes three genera: biogeography,behavior, and parasite-hostcospe- Falco, Polihierax (pygmy falcons) and Micro- ciation (Vane-Wright et al. 199 1, Mayden 1988, hierax (falconets). Page 1988, Coddington 1988) and are one of the Inclusion of the caracarasin the Polyborinae key ingredients for planning conservation strat- is not questioned (Sharpe 1874, Swann 1922, egies(Erwin 199 1, May 1990).
    [Show full text]
  • Notes on the Breeding of the Laggar Falcon Falco Jugger
    RAO & ADAKI: Laggar Falcon 139 Notes on the breeding of the Laggar Falcon Falco jugger Amith Rao & Kushal R. Adaki Rao, A., & Adaki, K., 2018. Notes on the breeding of the Laggar Falcon Falco jugger. Indian BIRDS 14 (5): 139–141. Amith Rao 60 Eureka Colony, Keshwapur, Kusugal Road, Hubli 580023, Karnataka, India. E-mail: [email protected] [AR] Kushal R. Adaki, Kubera Apartment, Club Road, Hubli 580030, Karnataka, India. [KAR] Manuscript received on 8 September 2017. he Laggar Falcon Falco jugger [148] is a widespread resident Both the birds took turns to incubate, and hunt [149]. Most of raptor in India (Naoroji 2006; Clark et al. 2018). The IUCN the times the tiercel hunted, and brought the prey to the falcon, TRed List of Threatened Species (BirdLife International 2016) eating only after she had finished. During the incubation period has categorised it as ‘Near Threatened.’ We chanced upon a nest the birds would hunt once a day [150]. The hunting frequency of the Laggar and documented its breeding behaviour. Though was comparatively less during this time. At all times, one bird Naoroji (2007) documents its breeding in detail, certain aspects, remained near the nest to guard the little ones from possible like incubation- and fledgling periods, are not well-known, and predators like Black Kites Milvus migrans, Short-toed Snake Eagles hence we present our observations along with photographs. Circaetus gallicus, and Indian Spotted Eagles Clanga hastata, which were commonly found near the nest. Any bird that got close to the nest was chased away by the falcons. Copulation was observed just once, on 20 February 2017.
    [Show full text]
  • Action Plan for the Conservation of the Danube
    Action Plan for the Conservation of the European Ground Squirrel Spermophilus citellus in the European Union EUROPEAN COMMISSION, 2013 1. Compilers: Milan Janák (Daphne/N2K Group, Slovakia), Pavel Marhoul (Daphne/N2K Group, Czech Republic) & Jan Matějů (Czech Republic). 2. List of contributors Michal Adamec, State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic, Slovakia Michal Ambros, State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic, Slovakia Alexandru Iftime, Natural History Museum „Grigore Antipa”, Romania Barbara Herzig, Säugetiersammlung, Naturhistorisches Museum Vienna, Austria Ilse Hoffmann, University of Vienna, Austria Andrzej Kepel, Polish Society for Nature Conservation ”Salamandra”, Poland Yordan Koshev, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Science, Bulgaria Denisa Lőbbová, Poznaj a chráň, Slovakia Mirna Mazija, Oikon d.o.o.Institut za primijenjenu ekologiju, Croatia Olivér Váczi, Ministry of Rural Development, Department of Nature Conservation, Hungary Jitka Větrovcová, Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic, Czech Republic Dionisios Youlatos, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece 3. Lifespan of plan/Reviews 2013 - 2023 4. Recommended citation including ISBN Janák M., Marhoul P., Matějů J. 2013. Action Plan for the Conservation of the European Ground Squirrel Spermophilus citellus in the European Union. European Commission. ©2013 European Communities Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged Cover photo: Michal Ambros Acknowledgements for help and support: Ervín
    [Show full text]
  • Annex a Species Are the Most Endangered, and Most Protected Species and Trade Is Very Strictly Controlled
    Raptor Rescue Rehabilitation Handbook APPENDIX B What do the various CITES Annex listings mean? The annex is the critical listing which defines what you can or cannot do with a specimen. Annex A species are the most endangered, and most protected species and trade is very strictly controlled. Unless the specimen is covered by a certificate from the UK CITES Management Authority you cannot legally use it for any commercial purpose, whether or not direct payment is involved. This includes offer to buy, buy, keep for sale, offer for sale, transport for sale, sell, advertise for sale, exchange for anything else, or display to paying customers. To import or (re)export such a specimen into or out of the EU requires both an import permit and an (re)export permit. You will therefore need to contact the management authorities in the countries of export and import, prior to such a move. Annex B species can be traded within the EU providing you can prove “legal acquisition” i.e. the specimen has not been taken from the wild illegally or smuggled into the EU. Annex B specimens which are imported into or (re)exported from the EU require the same documentation as for Annex A specimens (see above) Annex C and D species require an ‘Import Notification’ form to be completed at the time you make your import. To obtain a copy of the form ring 0117 372 8774 The following species are listed on Annex A. Falconiformes Andean Condor Vultur gryphus California Condor Gymnogyps califorianus Osprey Pandion haliaetus Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus Egyptian Vulture
    [Show full text]
  • AERC Wplist July 2015
    AERC Western Palearctic list, July 2015 About the list: 1) The limits of the Western Palearctic region follow for convenience the limits defined in the “Birds of the Western Palearctic” (BWP) series (Oxford University Press). 2) The AERC WP list follows the systematics of Voous (1973; 1977a; 1977b) modified by the changes listed in the AERC TAC systematic recommendations published online on the AERC web site. For species not in Voous (a few introduced or accidental species) the default systematics is the IOC world bird list. 3) Only species either admitted into an "official" national list (for countries with a national avifaunistic commission or national rarities committee) or whose occurrence in the WP has been published in detail (description or photo and circumstances allowing review of the evidence, usually in a journal) have been admitted on the list. Category D species have not been admitted. 4) The information in the "remarks" column is by no mean exhaustive. It is aimed at providing some supporting information for the species whose status on the WP list is less well known than average. This is obviously a subjective criterion. Citation: Crochet P.-A., Joynt G. (2015). AERC list of Western Palearctic birds. July 2015 version. Available at http://www.aerc.eu/tac.html Families Voous sequence 2015 INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME remarks changes since last edition ORDER STRUTHIONIFORMES OSTRICHES Family Struthionidae Ostrich Struthio camelus ORDER ANSERIFORMES DUCKS, GEESE, SWANS Family Anatidae Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor cat. A/D in Morocco (flock of 11-12 suggesting natural vagrancy, hence accepted here) Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica cat.
    [Show full text]